Gian van Veen delivered a stunning display to defeat world number one Luke Humphries and capture the Machineseeker European Championship 2025 in Dortmund on Sunday night.
The Dutchman, rapidly rising over the past two years, sealed his first televised ranking title in front of a record crowd at Westfalenhalle, marking a career breakthrough.
Though Humphries raced ahead to a 4-1 lead after a cautious start, Van Veen turned the momentum in electrifying fashion—claiming four of the next five legs with world-class 13, 10, 12, and 13-dart finishes to level at 5-5. That spell included a brilliant 160 checkout, and the 23-year-old continued his charge with precise 121 and 91 finishes to move 8-6 in front.
Van Veen’s third ton-plus finish, a 112 out, put him up 9-7, but Humphries responded by taking back-to-back legs and edging ahead 10-9. Just when the World No. 1 looked ready to close out victory, Van Veen fought back, overcoming two missed match darts, before Humphries forced a thrilling final leg with a clutch 85 finish on the bull.
With the match on the line, Van Veen made no mistake in the decider, clinching the title with a flawless 100 checkout on double 16.
“This is an unbelievable feeling, ” said Van Veen, who earned £120, 000 and rose to a career-best world number seven. “After missing my first chance and Luke’s bull finish, I thought I’d lost it. To win with that same 100 checkout is just incredible. I’ll never forget tonight, and to claim my first major title here in Germany makes it even more special.”
Humphries was gracious in defeat, praising Van Veen’s play in the critical sessions and confirming his status as one of darts’ brightest up-and-coming stars, despite the disappointment of falling just short of his first European Championship crown. The world number one had put on strong performances all weekend, notably seeing off Krzysztof Ratajski, Cameron Menzies, James Wade, and Danny Noppert, but it was Van Veen’s resilience and finishing power that ultimately made the difference.
2025 Machineseeker European Championship
Sunday October 26
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
Gian van Veen 10-5 Ryan Joyce
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Daryl Gurney
Danny Noppert 10-5 Ricardo Pietreczko
Luke Humphries 10-3 James Wade
Semi-Finals
Gian van Veen 11-9 Michael van Gerwen
Luke Humphries 11-8 Danny Noppert
Final
Gian van Veen 11-10 Luke Humphries